Two years after the release of the gem Isolation Songs, Finnish atmospheric sludge metallers Ghost Brigade are back with their new album, entitled Until Fear No Longer Defines Us. This album, which was recorded at Seawolf Studios, was released on August 2011 via French label Season Of Mist.

Until Fear No Longer Defines Us kicks off with the acoustic track "In The Woods". Immediately you can recognize the band's trademark, immersing the listener in their musical universe tinted with melancholy. The second track, entitled "Clawmaster", confirms this first impression: the recipe remains unchanged; it's 100% Ghost Brigade. Once again the mix/alternation of clean and harsh vocals perfectly works even though the clean parts are much more prominent than on Isolation Songs. I truly understand that a lot of people could be disappointed by this paucity of growls. On the other hand, this change leads to something more generic and in a lesser extent to a more accessible album. For me one of the most damageable aspects could be the lack of originality but is it so important when the performance is here? I don't think so. The whole album contains a muddle of melodic and melancholic parts putting great emphasis on the emotions. The musicians' performance is far from being bad, too; they clearly know how to handle their instruments. Finally, "Soulcarvers" concludes the album, where Manne's voice fits perfectly with the music, reaching a climax in terms of delivered emotions. "Soulcarvers" is typically the kind of song where you can close your eyes and let the music grow up on you (and I can also confirm to you that this song was a blast live!).

Before buying this album I had never heard of GB. Now, I'm a fan. It's not something I'd pop in the player to get fired-up, but it is great as a front-to-back listen. The riffs can be very simple but I respect that about this band; they aren't in your face with "look how fast we can play! Look! Look at us!". They make good, soulful music, and that's good enough for me.

Based on what I had heard previously by this band my expectations were not particularly high. Despite that, I still managed to get disappointed. There are a couple of good tracks and the vocals are nice for the most part, but as a whole the album failed to grab my attention to a greater extent.

All in all, the album felt bland and uninteresting with not much going for it.

A little above Isolation Songs, and I didn't always feel that way. This album is more consistent from beginning to end, and Isolation doesn't compare. However, some of my favourite songs are on that record. I know this album has fewer growls and there is more singing, but for me Manne's voice is fine by me. I typically hate singing, but only when it's forced. His voice seems to come more from within, and has sort of a humming to it. It might lack the spirit of giving it all you can give, but there is more soul. (Listening to this album atm, felt the need to express: it's a great listen for those days when the mood is "Just Another Day". Grain- pretty much encapsulates the album for me)

But you know what? If they are doing another record, it better be a bit different - all 3 of their albums are basically the same..I mean REALLY the same.

Guided By Fire is more ruthless than the other two and has an added Gothenburg influence. The difference isn't big but it's there if you pay attention. I agree with you though, the simplified atmo-sludge meets Katatonia approach won't take them much further.